New Delhi: Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress MP and former JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with alleged sexual harassment of students at Jawaharlal Nehru University, officials said on Sunday.
The FIR was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station on October 11 on the complaint of the chief security officer of JNU. The complaint invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman.
According to police, the FIR has been registered under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the BNS. Section 75 deals with sexual harassment including unwelcome physical contact, demand for sexual favours, showing pornography and making sexually coloured remarks. Section 79 pertains to word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
The development comes a day after JNU dismissed Akoijam from service with immediate effect on October 9. Akoijam, who was associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems at JNU, represents Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha.
The university action followed an internal inquiry into complaints filed by 11 students. The university’s Internal Committee, which probed the allegations, recommended a major penalty under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
The complaints against the professor reportedly included allegations of sexually suggestive remarks during viva examinations and classroom lectures, inappropriate advances made during gatherings at his on-campus residence, and alleged offers of higher marks in exchange for sexual favours.
The matter had triggered protests on the campus, with student groups including ABVP demanding a time-bound inquiry and strict action. The university administration had assured that due process would be followed.
Akoijam has denied all allegations and termed his dismissal as a “witch hunt”. In a statement, he said he had not been provided with the Internal Committee’s recommendations or the formal dismissal order and demanded that the evidence against him be made public.
He further stated that he intends to challenge the university’s decision through legal channels. The Congress MP has maintained that the inquiry process was biased and did not give him adequate opportunity to defend himself.
Delhi Police said an investigation is underway and that further details of the allegations recorded in the FIR cannot be shared at this stage as the matter is sensitive. No arrest has been made so far.
The case has sparked a political row as well, with the BJP questioning the Congress over its stand on the issue, while the Congress is yet to issue an official statement on the FIR against its MP.
